MUMBAI – Test captain Shubman Gill has made a notable return to India’s Twenty20 squad for the upcoming Asia Cup in the UAE, earning the position of vice-captain under skipper Suryakumar Yadav. His selection marks a strategic move by team management to reinforce both leadership depth and batting firepower ahead of the tournament.
Gill’s return follows an impressive display of technique and temperament during India’s recent Test series against England, where he amassed 754 runs and reinvigorated his reputation as a pivotal figure in the national setup. His inclusion in the Asia Cup squad helps bridge the gap left by his absence from T20s since last year, underscoring selectors’ confidence in his adaptability across formats.
Notable in the squad are key all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, as well as pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who re-enters the T20I setup after workload concerns earlier this year. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson also bring valuable experience to a 15-member squad designed to combine aggression, balance, and athleticism.
Their reintroduction comes amid palpable disappointment over the exclusion of established names like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. While their absence has sparked public debate, selectors emphasised that limited squad spots and current form dictated the final line-up.
India begins its Asia Cup campaign in Group A with a match against hosts UAE in Dubai, followed closely by a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan—setting the stage for a blend of tactical acumen and spirited cricket under enhanced team leadership.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.